Love Makkhan Like Lord Krishna? Try These 7 Dishes

By Suprita Mitter

August 22, 2024

Lord Krishna is often lovingly called ‘Makkhan Chor’ (butter thief) because he adored makkhan (butter) and relished stealing it from homes in Vrindavan. If you love makkhan, just like him, here are a few dishes to try.

Makhanwala Paneer

This is a creamy and rich paneer dish cooked in a tomato-based gravy, flavoured with spices and enriched with a generous amount of butter. It is garnished with fresh cream and served with naan or rice. 

Malaiyo

Also known as Makkhan Malai, this is a traditional North Indian dessert, especially popular in Varanasi and Lucknow. It's made by churning cream and leaving it out overnight to absorb dew.

Makkhan on Makki ki Roti

This is a traditional Punjabi combination where makki ki roti (cornmeal flatbreads) are generously smeared with butter and served with sarson ka saag (mustard greens curry). The butter enhances the rustic flavour of the roti.

Cheeni Malai Toast

The name of this dish literally translates to ‘sugar and butter on toast’. A simple yet nostalgic treat where a slice of warm toast is slathered with butter and sprinkled with sugar. It’s a quick and comforting snack that many people enjoy, especially with a cup of tea.

Ghee Makkhan Ladoo

A rich and decadent ladoo made from ghee, butter, and gram flour, sweetened with sugar and flavoured with cardamom. These laddoos are often prepared for festivals and special occasions.

Dal Makhani

A North Indian staple, this dish made with black lentils and kidney beans and spiced with a blend of masalas is slow-cooked to perfection. The addition of butter and sometimes cream towards the end of cooking transforms the dal.

Benne Dosa

Benne Dosa is a specialty from the southern Indian state of Karnataka, particularly popular in the city of Mysore. The word "benne" means butter in Kannada, and as the name suggests, this dosa is generously prepared with butter.